Ground State

Bound within our happy little molecules of families,
Each of us is ultimately alone, an atom.
The energies of life kick us up to excited states
("orbitals" in my HS chemistry class)
Only to fall back to ground again,
Sighing a photon or two,
To resume our inherent selves.

At your lowest energy level,
Just before you sleep,
You (if fortunate) curl up entwined with your love.
At the intimate heart of your relationship,
The simple act of touching
Returns you to ground state every night.

--WF

Hierarchy of Deeds

(This is not to be confused with the "Hierarchy of Needs" devised by Abraham Maslow (whom I researched as an undergrad, obtaining gracious interviews with his widow Bertha and his non-academic disciple Andrew Kay, plus one brief phone call with a very cranky Carl Rogers.))

My daughters (I have so many of them) do some stuff that I praise to the skies and some that drive me nuts. It must seem arbitrary to them, but to me certain things are a better use of their time.

Here's a list in order of what I'd rather they be doing if it's available or needs to be done (though we're pretty laid back about it).

1. Playing musical instruments
2. Doing homework
3. Creative writing
4. Sleeping
5. Talking to relatives (though seldom)
6. Chores
7. Playing with friends
8. Outdoor exercise, playing with pets
9. Cooking for fun
10. Reading, chess
11. Crafts, drawing, photography
12. Playing Wii with friends
13. Computer games, texting, Facebook
14. Watching DVDs
15. Watching fashion/cooking shows
16. Watching animation
17. Watching teen Nickelodeon/Disney

So, what would you add or change?

--WF